This won't be my usual introduction but here goes: I hope you are reading this review of Trader Joe's Beef en Croute before you make this. Or at least before baking this fully according to the directions. A while back I reviewed the turkey en croute. But there is a key difference: the turkey is cooked, but this isn't.
Cooking directions
Should you go by the directions alone and you are a real fan of red meat, you will be in trouble. Unless you enjoyed well-done beef. Again, I hope this review reaches you in time before potential holiday-related disasters ensue. If not, then I'm sure you'll be sharing your thoughts in the comments section which is always appreciated.
So let's go over this product before I (hopefully) help you with the way the directions should be written.
Here is a frozen item that needs to be defrosted before being popped into the oven.
The premise is pretty simple: it's puff pastry, a layer of mushrooms, and some well-seasoned beef. Basically, this is the dish better known as Beef Wellington.
It's a beautiful and impressive holiday dish. But again, cooking this to perfection is more challenging than the turkey en croute which is sold right next to this dish.
But here is the problem: the directions. The package makes reminds you that the goal temperature is 145. However, if you cook beef regularly please follow these guidelines:
Rare- 120F
Medium Rare- 130F
Medium- 140F
Medium Well- 150F
Well done- 160F (or throw away...but that's me).
Keep in mind for the most part the meat will continue to cook after it is out of the oven, so if you remove it from the oven it will reach another 5 degrees in doneness.
So why am I getting bent out of shape over the directions? The directions suggested removing this at about 35 minutes.
I pulled mine out of the oven at 30 minutes because the exterior pastry was getting quite brown. The ends when I cut into it (after giving it the required rest) were well done.
The dead center was medium at best. Now, normally I'd use my thermometer, but let's be honest, most people will follow the directions on the box. If you do this will be the most well-done roast.
Taste
The meat is well seasoned and has a bit of kick to it. The puff pastry is good but a tad soggy on the bottom. The mushrooms are good, well seasoned but were wishing for a bit more of them.
In the real world, this might serve closer to 4 portions as the ends aren't quite as meaty as the pastry has done its thing and puffed out.
And I know there are those of you who would set a timer and forget it. If you are one of those people, I hope this review reaches you in time.
If you cook this to temperature and not to time, this is a solid holiday dish. This item was clearly labeled on my receipt as being a holiday item so you might way to buy an extra or two if you really love it.
If not, then you can always consider getting one of these thermometers which have prevented me from overcooking a number of roasts. So in the long run it's paid for itself. Best of all it gets paired to my phone which is pretty much always next to me.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about this product:
Trader Joe's sells Beef en Croute or Beef Wellington during the winter holiday months. It is a seasonal item
Defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat your oven to 425F. Be sure to start checking the temperature as early as 20 minutes if you are looking for a roast that isn't overcooked.
These terms refer to the same thing. En Croute is the French term for anything in baked in puff pastry.
Overall
For $14.99 it isn't badly priced either.
Would I buy this again? I would actually buy Trader Joe's Beef en Croute again, but I would be more careful to cook by temperature and not the time listed on the box.
This is a seasonal item so if you fall in love with this you should stock up before they disappear.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
The box of Trader Joe's Beef en Croute:
The nutritional information, the ingredients, and instructions
Out of the package you get:
After 30 minutes of cooking
And sliced down the middle:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Beef en Croute
Product Name: Trader Joe's Beef en Croute
Product Description: Trader Joe's Beef en Croute is a seasonal holiday offering located in the frozen section.
Price: $14.99
Currency: USD
Availability: Discontinued
Summary
Trader Joe's Beef en Croute is a new frozen holiday special.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Taste is good
- Pastry was solid
Cons
- You'll want to cook by temperature and not by time. If you go by the minimum time listed you'll have a well done meal rather than the pink centered picture.
Alek says
Where the heck is the gravy? They should at least include a gravy pouch! Or even sauteed mushrooms pouch. It does sound divine. Kinda want switch up to potato en croute. Beef covered in a potato dough.
Dagmar says
Hi Brenda. Glad to see that you're back to posting. Oh my gosh thank you for the great pics. My mouth is absolutely watering. I can't wait to try this.
Elaine Berger says
I rarely buy cooked meat products, but I think I will have to try this one. I hope they still have it at my local TJ's. Thanks for the heads up about cooking it, as I hate well done meat.
I followed last year's suggestion and stocked up on the vanilla paste before it was out of stock. It disappeared in a week, so obviously others were buying it too, but I was surprised how small the jar was. I used to get 4 oz. at Home Goods for less money. It lasts forever in the pantry.
Last Thanksgiving, I tried TJ's sous vide turkey and it was very expensive and terrible.
becomebetty says
Hey Elaine! Thanks for sharing!
Beth says
I've never had gravy with beef wellington. I think the pastry, mushrooms and beef stand alone nicely.
Alisa Board says
I cooked this in the fastest, laziest way possible with complete disregard for the directions and it was still delicious. Even if you defrost it in the microwave (NOT recommended) and stick it in the oven until the puff pastry turns brown and the ends are well done, it's still not just edible, but very, very tasty. Just think how good it would have been if cooked properly. Just sayin'.
becomebetty says
Hey Alisa! Thanks for sharing your experience!
mike caldwell says
Followed her instructions and only cooked 29 minutes and it came out super well done with internal temp of 170! Oven temp was 425 and beef was only sitting out for 15 minutes before going in the oven.
becomebetty says
Hey Mike! Sorry you had the same overcooked problem I did. Sounds like it needs even less time.
mike caldwell says
I ordered a wireless thermometer from Amazon that will send me the temperature and even an alert when it reaches a certain temperature (that I set). That should take care of the problem in the future.
Elaine Berger says
i went to Trader Joe's yesterday to get the Beef en Croute, i was looking forward to try it. I looked and looked all over until I saw a little sign in the freezer section saying that they had sold all their stock and wouldn't be getting any more. I guess I will have to wait until next year.
Kimberly C says
So glad I read this before I cooked mine! Thawed for 24 hrs, preheated oven, cooked it for ~23 minutes & it was perfect medium rare. A little soggy in the bottom but great flavor overall. Enjoyed it!
becomebetty says
So glad I could help! Glad it reached you in time
Cynthi Threloff says
Called the 2 Trader Joe's in this area and both are out of the Beef en croute for the year. I was very disappointed.
becomebetty says
I'm sorry to hear this too.